Baltimore Police to Start Wearing Body Cameras in May

Police Commissioner Kevin Davis and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced at a news conference Thursday that the city is finalizing an $11.6 million contract with Taser International that includes 2,500 cameras and storage.

The cameras will be deployed in five phases through January 2018. Rawlings-Blake says the company will also store footage from transport van cameras.

The deal goes to the Board of Estimates next week for final approval.

Departments nationwide are being urged to use cameras in light of several fatal shootings by police. Last year, Baltimore erupted in riots after Freddie Gray died from injuries he suffered in police custody.